News from Welsh Labour

WRU’s commitment to North Wales rugby is welcomed by AM

Wrexham’s Assembly Member, Lesley Griffiths has welcomed a further commitment made by the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) to further develop the game in North Wales.

The AM was commenting following publication of the WRU’s Annual Report, which contained a promise to deliver further “initiatives to develop rugby in North Wales”.

The pledge comes on the back of similar statement made by WRU Group Chief Executive, Roger Lewis last month, in which he revealed he was considering plans to create a fifth Welsh rugby region – possibly based in North Wales. The WRU wound-up the previous incarnation, the Celtic Warriors, back in 2004.

The WRU’s Annual Report published today recorded a record turnover income of £50.3m and a pre-tax profit of £3.0m by the Welsh Rugby Union Group, in the year which saw the Welsh national team win the Grand Slam.

Commenting on today’s Annual Report, Lesley Griffiths AM said:
“Let’s be in no doubt, thanks to the work put in over recent years by the WRU, the game in Wales is now going from strength to strength – and that is borne out by today’s results in this Grand Slam year.

“Importantly for North Wales, there is a real and tangible desire by the WRU, under Roger Lewis’ stewardship, to ensure that Welsh rugby is truly a national sport. I am under no illusion, the days when rugby was regarded as something unique to South Wales, are long gone.

“I recently met with Roger and other WRU officials, to discuss how they see the game being developed at both a regional and international level. I was impressed by their commitment and vision to develop the game here in the North. The WRU know there is an untapped resource of rugby talent here in North Wales and as custodians of our game, they are committed to ensure those individuals are allowed to flourish at the very highest echelons of the Welsh rugby.

“As the recent junior World Cup demonstrated with so many games played in Wrexham, North Wales has a great deal to offer in terms of facilities.”

Other news from Welsh Labour

• Carwyn Jones sends congratulations to new President of Ireland - 1 November 2011
• Decision day dash to save Wales from savage cuts - 5 May 2010
• Almost half Welsh Labour MPs come out for Carwyn Jones - 21 October 2009